THE Riverland’s Federal MP said it was “fantastic” to see progress being made on a new MRI service in the region after a tour of the Riverland General Hospital earlier this month.
Member for Barker Tony Pasin met with hospital staff and contractors at the site of the hospital’s MRI facility, which is currently under construction.
Mr Pasin said he was “looking forward” to seeing the service up and running.
“Last year the Federal Government announced an additional 30 Medicare-subsidised MRI services across the country,” he said.
“I wanted the residents of the Riverland to be direct beneficiaries of this initiative saving a two to three-hour drive to the nearest service.
“I lobbied the Federal Health Minister, with a petition from the local Riverland community, ultimately being successful in securing the Riverland as one of the 30 sites.
“With the State Government now building the facility to house the machine, this initiative is one step closer to delivering this important service for the community.
“It was fantastic to see the build taking shape and I look forward to coming back and seeing the machine in place.”
Mr Pasin launched a petition for the Riverland to receive an MRI licence in September 2018, garnering over 4000 signatures.
The Riverland General Hospital was granted a licence in March 2019, with work on a new facility to house the machine beginning in June.
The facility is expected to be opened by the end of the year.